The theatre of terror

[Jedburgh]

The article is merely a restatement of an old truism, updated with current examples. The 'propaganda of the deed' has been an article of faith amongst terrorists since the anarchists of the late 19th Century. And although Harari's observations on relative casualties and the danger of overreaction are quite true (and not exactly insightful, having been pointed out by many over a period of decades), his argument carries the flaws of any broad generalization. As Omarali50 stated, terrorism is by its nature best understood in the context of its unique placement in the precise location, state, and region where it occurs. The 'propaganda of the deed' isn't always that. In some cases it is very likely to be a serious attempt at achieving a tactical or even strategic success based solely on the results of the attack without any messaging considerations from the perspective of the terrorists.

[Bill Moore]

The article is merely a restatement of an old truism, updated with current examples. The 'propaganda of the deed' has been an article of faith amongst terrorists since the anarchists of the late 19th Century. And although Harari's observations on relative casualties and the danger of overreaction are quite true (and not exactly insightful, having been pointed out by many over a period of decades), his argument carries the flaws of any broad generalization. As Omarali50 stated, terrorism is by its nature best understood in the context of its unique placement in the precise location, state, and region where it occurs. The 'propaganda of the deed' isn't always that. In some cases it is very likely to be a serious attempt at achieving a tactical or even strategic success based solely on the results of the attack without any messaging considerations from the perspective of the terrorists.

Concur, too many of these so called experts have a narrow view of the world, and treat common perceptions as fact. Terrorists also have great power in their own way, so he also makes a mistake of conflating power with the size of one's military and economy. Two measures of power that can be relatively worthless in some situations. Neither can be applied effectively to eliminate this threat. Analysts need to stop referring to terrorists, insurgents, and militias as weak actors out of habit and start attempting to compare their form of power against other actors. In grunt terms, it doesn't matter if I military press 250lbs if I'm competing in a 5k race. The form of power that is relevant is the ability sustain a fast running pace for the duration of the pace. My strength advantage is meaningless. It is also time to look at terrorist tactics as part of a larger strategy, and stop focusing on the tactic and assume those that embrace it are simple minded.